What to do in a Desert Garden in November?

Here are some tips on what to do in the desert garden this month from the
University of Arizona College of Agriculture Maricopa County Extension
There's also a lot of other helpful information and FAQ's on that website.
Another site of interest on what to do in the garden here in the low
desert is John Chapman's site.

Climate Information for November
in Phoenix, Arizona


Rainfall:

Average: 0.7 inches
Record: 3.6 inches (1905)

Temperature (degrees F):

Average High: 74.9 degrees
Lowest High: 40 degrees (1919)
Record High: 96 degrees (1924)

Average Low: 48.9 degrees
Highest Low: 71 degrees (1988)
Record Low: 27 degrees (1931)

Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.

To Do List . . .
Turf

For a green winter lawn, overseed established Bermuda grass lawns from mid October through mid November.

After the first mowing, fertilize winter lawns with a high phosphate fertilizer like superphosphate, triple superphosphate, or a complete fertilizer that is 20% phosphorous or more by weight. Ammonium phosphate (16-20-0) is another option. Follow the application rates and directions on the label.

Vegetables

Plant Seeds
Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chard, Collard Greens, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf), Mustard, Onions (Bulb & Green), Peas, Radishes, Rutabagas, Spinach, Turnips

Plant Transplants

Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf)

Watch for insect and pest problems, identify and manage early to prevent damage.

Roses

End the years fertilization this month

Plant container roses from mail-order catalogs, old garden roses in particular.

Fruit and Nut Trees

Be prepared to protect citrus from early winter frosts

Landscape Plants

Cut off spent blooms to stimulate rebloom

Water applications should be greatly reduced for the winter

Plant winter hardy trees, shrubs and vines

Pre-emergent herbicides can be applied from October through early December for winter annual weed control. Follow the package directions carefully for best results. DO NOT use pre-emergent herbicides where you will be planting seeds this season.

Be prepared for early winter frost

Don't List . . .

Do not increase opportunities for fungal disease on turf by over watering or watering at night.

DO NOT OVER WATER which will result in root rots. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.

Frequently Asked Questions
Damage is Noticed on the Fruit

Citrus fruit split
Inappropriate water management leads to sunburn, making the rind less supple and less resilient to stretching and growing, thus as the fruit starts to enlarge it splits. There is nothing to be done for this season, ensure adequate irrigation next summer.

Damage is Noticed on the Leaves

Seedlings have been clipped off right at the soil line

Leaves of vegetables are being eaten by slugs, snails, cabbage loopers, or birds.

There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants

Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly

Older leaves turn yellow and fall off. The plant is stunted. It wilts even when water is available The stem is streaked.

Very sudden die back of an olive tree branch. There is brown or green streaking between the bark and the wood.

Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk

Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly

Older leaves turn yellow and fall off. The plant is stunted. It wilts even when water is available The stem is streaked.

Very sudden die back of an olive tree branch. There is brown or green streaking between the bark and the wood.

Damage is Noticed on the Roots

Cultural / Environmental Questions

Citrus fruit split
Inappropriate water management leads to sunburn, making the rind less supple and less resilient to stretching and growing, thus as the fruit starts to enlarge it splits. There is nothing to be done for this season, ensure adequate irrigation next summer.

Insect/Pest Questions

Seedlings have been clipped off right at the soil line

Leaves of vegetables are being eaten by slugs, snails, cabbage loopers, or birds.

There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants

Disease Questions

Seedlings and bedding plants wilt and die suddenly

Older leaves turn yellow and fall off. The plant is stunted. It wilts even when water is available The stem is streaked.

Very sudden die back of an olive tree branch. There is brown or green streaking between the bark and the wood.